Over 70 hospitalized in Vietnam’s Dong Thap after suspected ‘banh mi’ poisoning

According to the food safety authority under the Dong Thap Department of Health, 10 patients have since been discharged, while the remaining cases are still under treatment, mostly at Hong Ngu Regional General Hospital, with others at Dong Thap General Hospital and nearby facilities.

All are reported to be in stable condition.

The first cases appeared on Tuesday morning, when three patients were admitted with abdominal pain, vomiting, and repeated diarrhea.

The patients reported eating ‘banh mi’ at the establishment between 7:00 pm on Monday and 6:30 am on Tuesday.

The number of symptomatic cases later rose to 72, including 71 who required hospitalization and transfers for treatment.

The food safety authority then collected five food samples from the bakery, including pâté, pork rolls, fried sausage, ham, and pickled vegetables, which have been sent to the provincial science and technology center for testing.

This is not the first incident involving Hong Ngoc 12.

In 2024, the same bakery was linked to a major outbreak that sickened 149 people after they consumed its ‘banh mi.’

Hong Ngoc is a well-known ‘banh mi’ brand in Dong Thap, with outlets in Hong Ngu, Cao Lanh, and Sa Dec.